Last Updated on September 11th, 2024

There is a plethora of ingredient options for soap makers, today. Many, if not most, contemporary handmade soap makers opt for entirely plant-based ingredients for their soap recipes. Nature Coast Soaps is similar in that some of the soaps I make are from entirely plant-based ingredients. Some are not, though. I'd like to provide information to address why I've selected several of the ingredients I use in the soap recipes I design, whether entirely plant-based or not. 

LARD 

Several people have asked me why I use Lard in some of my soap recipes. Some have simply acted shocked, rather than inquiring. I will be providing several reasons for this, below. 

• Lard is a sustainable and natural ingredient. 
• Soap is much harder and lasts longer because of it. 
• The lather it creates is so thick and creamy. 
• It's naturally soothing to the skin. 
• According to my father, my paternal grandmother used to make soap for the family using only Lard, Water and Lye (known as Lye Soap). This was during the 1940s and 50s in the Appalachian area of Kentucky. Soapmaking was a necessity. These were the ingredients available. So, it's sort of a heritage thing. 

The reason for Lard in several of my soap recipes may be further understood after reading this additional information.

Lard Vs. Tallow

* The information below is from an article I found. Click "Source", at the end, to read the article. My intention is to explain the benefits of using Lard in soapmaking, not to discourage the use of Tallow (beef fat) in soapmaking nor the purchase of tallow based products. 

As lard is rendered animal fat, the composition of the lard oil is most similar to the composition of human skin’s natural sebum. This makes it often a suitable moisturizer for individuals who have sensitivities to commercial moisturizers.  

• Since lard is low (0-2) on the comedogenic scale (0-5, coconut and palm oils being 4) it will not clog pores – great for facial soaps! Since it is higher in unsaturated fatty acids, it provides more bubbly lather and a squeakier cleanse. 
• A pure lard soap designed for the skin even cleanses and nourishes hair quite well – unlike pure tallow soap. 
• A pure lard soap designed for NOT washing the skin will even make a wonderful laundry, dish, and surface cleaning soap due to its superior lather abilities. 
• Since lard is softer at lower temperatures, it is great for fatty bath bombs – Insuring well-nourished skin and cleaner drains that won’t clog up as easily!

Source 

Please click the link below to read more on the benefits of animal fat in soap making. 

https://www.healthline.com/health/sodium-tallowate#What-is-sodium-tallowate? 

EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIl

We've all heard of the health benefits of adding olive oil to our diet. Benefits such as improving our "good" cholesterol and overall heart health. But it also offers benefits when used on the skin. As you may be aware, olive oil is reported to be the first oil that was originally used in soapmaking. Olive oil soap, also known as Castile Soap, has been produced for centuries and is known for its cleansing and skin softening impact. Below, from the article Olive Oil Benefits For Your Face, are a few reasons it is beneficial for the skin and why I use Olive Oil in many of my soap recipes. 

• It moisturizes and fights bacteria.

If you’re prone to acne, using a soap made with olive oil may help decrease your acne by killing off the bacteria that causes the acne. 

• Olive oil is rich in vitamins reported to have skin benefits, including vitamin A, D, and K, as well as vitamin E.
• Olive Oil also has antioxidant properties.

So, olive oil is useful in soapmaking because of the benefits for your skin, all over the body. I use only Extra Virgin Olive Oil in all of my soap. 

* Always be aware of your own skin sensitivities, allergies, etc. No one thing in skincare applies to everyone. Always consult your physician and/or dermatologist.

Source 

Olive Oil - Diet Source 

COCONUT OIL

SHEA BUTTER

As you may have seen, if you've checked the ingredient list of many of my soaps, I love including Shea Butter. There are so many benefits to the skin that Shea Butter has to offer. In fact, I will be listing several of them soon. In the mean time, please refer to the article below by clicking Source, below. 

Source 

CASTOR OIL

HONEY

CLAY

I like to use Clays in some of my soaps for various reasons from coloring to light exfoliation. Below, I've listed these and a few others. 

• There are a variety of clays available to choose from such as Bentonite & Kaolin.
• Clay is a natural ingredient that has been used in soap making for a very long time and has multiple reported benefits.
  
  
• Clay is an excellent natural ingredient to add color or enhance the color of soap. 
• Clay can help to hold onto the scent that's added to soap. Slowing the fade of a scent.
• Clays also seem to add to the smooth feel of soap while offering a very gentle exfoliation.
  

Other than these reasons, I don't make any claims as to the benefits of using clay in soap. But, if you'd like, read more about the use of Clay in soap at soapandclay.com

This blog is a work in progress. Please check back...